In this article, we discuss why you should apply to O&G training, how to build your portfolio & we detail the application process. O&G is a 7 year run-through programme, incorporating a core curriculum with ultrasound training & there are plenty of opportunities to subspecialise.
Contents
Why apply to Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G)?
How to build your portfolio
A key aim is to show dedication to the speciality and then reflect what lessons or skills you’ve learnt or can demonstrate that are transferrable to O&G:
- Use opportunities to undertake audit/ QIP relating to women’s health (One way to get involved is by sending an email to consultants/doctors to find out about possible projects whilst at university)
- Taster activities in O&G
- Develop transferrable skills relevant to O&G
- Attend local careers fairs or RCOG run events to gain more understanding of the speciality
- Submit applications for RCOG prizes and awards for Foundation Doctors
- If taking a gap year – locum / clinical fellow post in O&G (ensure you have no more than 18 months total experience)
- Could consider sitting Part 1 MRCOG prior to applying (not required before starting ST1 but demonstrates commitment to the speciality)
- Familiarise yourself with the RCOG ST1 Person Specification. If you are interested in finding person specifications for any other specialties, you can also find them here.
The Application Process
O&G Speciality training is a 7 year run through training programme:
Application is via Oriel and managed by Health Education England (HEE):
- Applications open Mid-Late November – online application form
- Standardised longlisting process
- Multi-Speciality Recruitment Assessment (MSRA)* – Early January – (25% of interview score)
- 3 station interview – Late January/ Early February – (75% of interview score)
- Offers made in March
- Ranking of deaneries/allocation of specific posts
- Posts commence in August
*Multi-Speciality Recruitment Assessment (MSRA) is also done in GP / psychiatry recruitment etc. It is sat at a driving test centre and performed on a computer under test conditions.
Interviews (pre-COVID) are held at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester. It is made up of 3 x 15 minute stations including:
- Traditional interview panel
- Communication station – roleplay with an actor
- Clinical prioritisation station
You can find further information on recruitment including timelines/person specification/vacancy numbers/application guides here.
Useful Resources
Written by Dr Amber Wilson (ST4 O&G)
8 thoughts on “Applying to Obstetrics and Gynaecology”
Very useful, thank you.
Thank you so much!
Hello! I have a national biology award won during high school. Can I use them for points in my OB/GYN portfolio?
I answered this on your other post, but for completeness – unfortunately they tend only to count those awards won at undergraduate medicine or postgraduate level. You can definitely add it to your application though! If you want to find out specific advice though, you can contact the O&G recruitment team.
Hi,
I was hoping to get O&G in my FY training but I didn’t. Do you know how I can still build my portfolio in order to apply for O&G ST training? I will be starting FY in August.
How am I suppose to build my CV or get involved in research when I don’t even get to rotate in O&G except the 10 taster days?
Of course you can! Have a look at the application criteria for O&G & advice above!
Hey
I am working a GP in Belgium.
Can I apply as well?
Thanks for your comment. Do you mean apply for O&G training?